ARCHIVE: TF08 - Transformers Movie Toys Showcased By Hasbro

Article originally published 02/10/2007 at figures.com

Get ready Transformers fans, a new wave of toys and collectibles are rolling your way! Hasbro unveiled their Transformers movie tie-in products at this year’s Toy Fair International. Included are a wide variety of action figures, role playing toys and interactive devices that will likely be on a number of want lists for the coming year. Hasbro’s intention with their new Transformers products are to both satisfy older G1 collectors and indoctrinate a whole new generation of Autobot and Decepticon fans.

There are a number of basic Transformers planned for initial release. These figures were on display but we were not allowed to take any photos. Basic figures on display at Toy Fair were:

• Megatron
• Barricade
• Wreckage
• Scorponok
• Brawl
• Optimus Prime (Proto Form)
• Bumblebee
• Jazz

In addition, two Transformers will be released in ‘deluxe’ form. Ratchet and Wreckage will be available as individually-boxed figures and will be larger scale than the basic series. Perhaps the crown jewel in Hasbro’s Transformers summer lineup is the Ultimate Bumblebee. This massive 14” Autobot includes electronic working headlights, voice chip, programmed battle moves, firing cannon and is fully transformable into the yellow concept Camaro from the movie.

Expect to see a revitalization of the popular Unleashed brand as Hasbro introduces their first Transformers figure into the line. Bumblebee will be available nationwide as an Unleashed figure and will be showcased in the same style packaging that was included with last year’s popular Star Wars Target exclusives.

For the kids (or at least the younger ones) Hasbro unveiled plans to roll out a full series of Robot Heroes, similar to their widely popular Galactic Heroes. These will be available in two-packs and will include fan-favorite Transformers characters. Be prepared to receive an entirely new form of transforming toys when Hasbro gives us, wait for it… plush G1 Transformers! These cute little retro-style buggers flip from robot to vehicle in one smooth (if not fluffy) motion. Included in the first wave of plush Transformers are Optimus Prime and Bumblebee.

Have you ‘permanently borrowed’ the Darth Vader voice-changing helmet you bought your kid for Christmas? If so, you can finally return it in favor of the upcoming Optimus Prime Voice-Changer Helmet. Now you can shout ‘roll out!’ with all the emphasis and authority of the Autobot leader. Finally, Hasbro will release Optimash Prime, a Mr. Potato Head version of the Optimus Prime.